the conversion to Islam of these eminent men (1). It was as though he feared that they would look down upon the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, if he turned his attention to this blind man and away from them, just as Noah’s people said: ﴾We see that none have followed you except those who are the lowest among us﴿ (27). Thus, in frowning and turning away, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, had two considerations in mind. The first was the hope that these eminent men would embrace Islam. The second was that they should not look down upon the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, for turning his attention to this blind man, whom they held in contempt.

There is no doubt that this was an exercise of judgment by the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and not an expression of contempt for Ibn Umm Maktūm. We know that nothing mattered more to the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, than that the call to truth should spread among Allah’s servants. All people were equal in his estimation; indeed, whoever showed greater eagerness to embrace Islam was dearer to him. This is what we believe concerning the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace.

﴾Yet what could make you know?﴿ That is: What gives you reason to doubt that this man might purify himself and grow stronger in faith? ﴾Perhaps﴿ means perhaps Ibn Umm Maktūm ﴾might purify himself﴿—that is, cleanse himself of sins and traits unbecoming of someone like him. If this is what may be hoped of him, then he is more deserving of attention. ﴾Or take heed and benefit from the reminder﴿ means: What could make you know? Perhaps he might take heed, so that the admonition would benefit him, for he, may Allah be pleased with him, was more likely than those men to take heed and remember.

﴾As for the one who considers himself self-sufficient﴿ means that he considers himself self-sufficient because of his abundant wealth and powerful social standing. These were the eminent men who were with the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. As for such a person, ﴾you give him your attention﴿: you approach him, seek to have him turn to you, and turn your attention toward him. ﴾Though you are not accountable if he does not purify himself﴿ means that nothing rests upon you if this self-sufficient man does not purify himself, for your sole duty is to convey the message.

Allah, Exalted is He, thus made clear that Ibn Umm Maktūm, may Allah be pleased with him, was more likely to purify himself than those eminent men, and that if they failed to purify themselves despite the Messenger’s attention to them, he bore no responsibility for them. ﴾Though you are not accountable if he does not purify himself﴿ means that nothing rests upon you if he does not purify himself, for his sin rests upon him, and nothing is required of you—